This Steak and Shrimp Pasta is a delightful surf and turf dish that combines tender New York strip steak, succulent shrimp, and rigatoni pasta in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s a perfect choice for a hearty dinner that brings together the best of land and sea.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

New York strip steak
Grapeseed oil
Peeled and deveined 26/30 shrimp
Rigatoni pasta
Extra virgin olive oil
Crushed garlic cloves
Minced shallot
Red pepper flakes
Sundried tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Cracked black pepper
White wine vinegar
Vegetable broth
Parsley
Parmesan cheese

Note: For specific quantities, refer to the original recipe.

Directions

Prep the Steak and Pasta: Season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
Cook the Steak: Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat and add grapeseed oil. Sear the steak for 5 minutes on each side.
Rest the Steak: Place the cooked steak on a cutting board and cover with foil to rest while preparing the rest of the dish.
Sauté Vegetables: In a frying pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil, minced shallot, crushed garlic, sundried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
Deglaze and Simmer: Deglaze the pan with white wine vinegar, allowing the alcohol to burn off for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and cracked black pepper. Stir, cover, and simmer on medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook for 2 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through.
Combine and Serve: Thinly slice the rested steak and add it to the sauce along with the cooked pasta. Toss to combine and heat through. Garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrients

Estimated per serving:

Calories: Approximately 650 kcal
Protein: About 40g
Carbohydrates: Around 50g
Fat: Approximately 30g
Fiber: Roughly 4g
Sodium: Estimated at 800mg

A Culinary Journey with Steak and Shrimp Pasta

The origins of steak and shrimp pasta are likely a fusion of classic American surf-and-turf dishes and Italian pasta recipes. While surf and turf—combining seafood and meat—has been popular in fine dining for decades, pairing it with pasta elevates the dish to an entirely new level. The combination of steak and shrimp offers contrasting textures, with the steak providing a rich, hearty bite and the shrimp adding a delicate, slightly sweet flavor.

Incorporating pasta into this duo allows the dish to absorb all the rich flavors of the steak and shrimp, while also giving the meal a substantial and satisfying base. The pasta serves as a perfect vehicle for the sauce, whether it’s a creamy Alfredo, a tomato-based marinara, or a simple olive oil and garlic sauce. Pasta itself is versatile, allowing for a variety of textures—from smooth, silky noodles like fettuccine or spaghetti to the more textured rigatoni or penne, which can hold up well to hearty sauces.

Why This Dish Is Perfect for Any Occasion

What makes steak and shrimp pasta so perfect is its versatility. It can be dressed up for a sophisticated dinner party or kept simple for a weeknight meal. The dish is perfect for those who love a hearty meal but want the luxury of seafood. The steak adds a rich, meaty flavor, while the shrimp brings a sweet, briny taste that contrasts beautifully with the pasta.

The versatility of the dish doesn’t just lie in the choice of proteins. You can experiment with the pasta shape and sauce base, allowing you to customize the dish to your liking. A creamy garlic sauce works beautifully with the richness of the steak, while a zesty lemon and tomato sauce brings a lighter, fresher approach. Whether you prefer a bold, creamy sauce or a light, citrus-infused dressing, steak and shrimp pasta can be adjusted to suit various palates.

Health Benefits of Steak and Shrimp Pasta

While steak and shrimp pasta is indulgent, it also offers several health benefits when prepared thoughtfully. The steak provides a high amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. It also contains important nutrients such as iron and zinc, which are vital for the body’s immune system and energy production. Shrimp, on the other hand, is a low-calorie source of protein, rich in selenium and vitamin B12, both of which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and optimal metabolic function.

Pasta, when made from whole grains or paired with a lighter sauce, can also be part of a balanced meal. Whole-grain pasta offers more fiber and nutrients than traditional pasta, contributing to heart health and helping to stabilize blood sugar levels. Adding vegetables, such as tomatoes, onions, or leafy greens, further enhances the nutritional profile of the dish, offering antioxidants and additional vitamins and minerals.

Making the Dish Your Own: Variations and Customizations

One of the best aspects of steak and shrimp pasta is how easy it is to customize. While the classic recipe combines steak, shrimp, and pasta with a rich, savory sauce, you can tweak the ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences.

Choosing Your Steak Cut
When it comes to steak, you have a range of options. New York strip is a great choice for its tender texture and rich flavor, but you can opt for ribeye, filet mignon, or even flank steak for a leaner alternative. Each cut offers a different experience, so you can choose based on your preferences or what you have available.

Shrimp Variations
Shrimp is the most common seafood used in this dish, but if you’re looking to mix things up, consider swapping in other shellfish, like scallops or lobster tails. Both offer a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor than shrimp, adding variety to your dish.

Pasta Alternatives
While rigatoni is a fantastic option for holding sauces, you could also use fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. Fettuccine pairs wonderfully with creamy sauces, while spaghetti is ideal for lighter, broth-based dishes. The shape of your pasta can affect the overall texture of the dish, so feel free to experiment with what you like best.

Sauce Customizations
The sauce is key to bringing everything together in this dish. While a simple olive oil and garlic sauce is classic, you can add your own twist by introducing herbs, such as thyme, basil, or oregano, for extra flavor. If you prefer a creamy sauce, a combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic creates a luscious coating for the pasta. Alternatively, for a lighter, more refreshing approach, consider a lemony white wine sauce with fresh parsley or a rich tomato-based marinara.

Vegetable Additions
Incorporating vegetables into this dish adds color, texture, and nutrition. Consider adding spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the pasta. These vegetables add a freshness that balances the richness of the steak and shrimp, while also providing additional vitamins and minerals.

Perfect Pairings for Steak and Shrimp Pasta

When serving steak and shrimp pasta, choosing the right drink can enhance the overall dining experience. A crisp, refreshing white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the seafood while balancing the richness of the steak. For those who prefer red wine, a lighter red such as Pinot Noir pairs well with the flavors of both steak and shrimp.

Conclusion

Steak and shrimp pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and the perfect combination of surf and turf. This dish provides a satisfying, hearty meal that is easy to make, yet elegant enough for special occasions. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or indulge in a comforting dinner, steak and shrimp pasta offers something for everyone. Its versatility allows you to experiment with different flavors, sauces, and ingredients, ensuring that every time you make it, you can create a new and exciting variation of this classic dish.

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